Switching system and apparatus therefor



Dec. 5, -1939. e. R. CRANE ET AL SWITCHING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS THEREFOR- Filed May 22, 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet l 6. R. CRANE B. B. HAYWORTH f4. )lu wl: A T TORNE) INVENTORS:

M Q R Dec. 5, 1939. e. R. CRANE ET AL 2,182,070-

SWITCHING SYS IEM AND APPARATUS THEREFOR Filed May 22, 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 F 16.5 FIG. 7 [-76.8 FIG. .9

' l4'fi a -29 27 j: 8 2a 27 mi: 30 -30 30 qmm dx A TTURNEV Dec. 5, 1939. s. R. CRANE ET AL 2,182,070

- SWITCHING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS THEREFOR Filed May 22. 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INTER! OCK START G.R.CRANE BEHAVWORTH A T TORNEV -//v VENTORS Patented Dec. 5, 1939 alarms PATENT DFFECE SWITCHING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS THEREFOR George Crane, Santa Hayworth, Burbank,

trical Research Products, Inc.,

Monica, and Byron B. Calih, assignors to Elec- New York, N. Y.,

a corporation of Delaware Application May 22,

Claims.

This invention relates to a switching system and more particularly to a system in which a series of related switching operations must be performed in a definite order, and in certain cases at measured time intervals.

The switching system according to the invention particularly applicable to film recorders driven by an electric motor and Will be described for use with such apparatus, although its use is not restricted to equipment of this character.

It has been usual practice in the past to use interlocked recorders of the type disclosed herein but various auxiliary features incidental to recording, such as the registration of take numbers for coordinating the sound and picture films and the accurate coordination of related operations of the recorder before the recorder is started and when it is stopped have been accomplished by manual switching means or in other manners which did not ensure correct operation or provide maximum convenience in handling the device.

It is therefore the object of this invention to provide a switching system for automatically performing varied switching operations during the starting and stopping of a recording machine.

A feature of the invention is the use of an electrically operated compound switch which incorporates a time measuring device and a sequential control over various switching operations.

Some auxiliary apparatus, such as a punch for placing a mark on the film, and a slater for placing a take number photographically on the film,

incorporated in this recorder and are operated by manipulating keys onthe recorder when the film is stationary. A solenoid punch is used for making a hole in the film and the take numoer is photographed on the film by illuminating the numbers on a veeder counter. As soon as the foregoing operations have been accomplished, a source of current is connected to the motor for starting the recorder and actuating the switching system.

Included in the switching system is a solenoid which performs a series of functions. The first or" the": functions is to operate a switch for opening energizing circuit of the slater and the 1 in order that neither of these may be operated during the movement of the film. A secswitch is operated to bring the recording p to full brilliance. In this system a low curre is maintained through the recording lamp hen the recorder is not in use in order that the lamp may be immediately brought to full illumination when recording is started. This is 1937, Serial No. 144,234

accomplished by normally connecting a resistance in multiple with the recording lamp which circuit is opened by the operation of the foregoing solenoid to bring the lamp to full brilliance. Simultaneously with the foregoing switching operation of the solenoid an arm associated with the solenoid plunger, having a finger thereon, is moved upward for engaging the finger with the groove of a Worm gear which is driven by the motor. It should be borne in mind that at this time the motor is coming up to speed and the film is moving through the recorder at a rate determined by the motor speed. The finger moves over the worm gear and in transit brings about a switching operation for opening the shutter; The time consumed in moving the finger over the worm gear is a measured period to permit the film record of the take number to pass from the slater a given distance beyond the point of sound recording. The switching arm which has the finger thereon is pivoted midway between extremities, the outer end of the arm having a roller thereon which engages a cam after the finger has traveled a given distance over the worm gear. The engagement of the roller with this cam closes an electrical circuit for energizing a magnet for opening a shutter at the time when recording is started. The shutter is of a character which looks in position after operation and remains open during recording. The switching devices are accordingly arranged so that the switch arm continues to travel far enough over the worm gear to again disengage the roller from the cam which closed the shutter magnet circuit in order that the circuit is disengaged from the magnet during the period when the recorder is in operation.

When current is disengaged from the motor to start recording or if a fault occurs and the motor circuit is automatically opened, the solenoid circuit is also opened which disengages the switch arm finger from the gear. The release of the solenoid plunger also actuates the contact for closing the shutter. The switch arm returns to its normal position and upon doing so opens the circuit established for the shutter magnet by the solenoid.

The invention will be best understood from the following detailed description, reference being had to the drawings.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the sequence controlling switch by means of which a series of switching operations essential to the invention is accomplished;

Fig. .2 is a side elevation of the switch;

Fig. 3 is a detail view showing construction details of mechanism incidental to the operation of certain contacts controlled by the switch. The view is a partial section on line 33 of Fig. 4 which is an end View, partly in section, of the switch;

Figs. 5 to 9 illustrate details of operation of certain switch contacts in various stages of oper-. ation of the switch;

Fig. 10 is a circuit diagram showing the interconnection of the various apparatus elements included in the recorder;

Fig. 11 is a partial showing of the recorder structure and illustrates the coordination of such apparatus elements as are necessary to an understanding of the invention.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, a solenoid 5! is mounted in any convenient manner in the bottom of a suitable housing. The solenoid plunger operates the tiltable mercury switches through a linkage including arm l2 and pivots i8 and 33. The mercury switch is of a compound nature, two sets of contacts being controlled thereby for purposes to be subsequently described. As may be seen in Fig. 1 where the operating link 52 is shown in the upper part of the drawings, connection from the solenoid plunger to link 12 is made through a transverse bar ID. A roller H is mounted on the opposite end of bar IQ for operation by the solenoid plunger for a purpose to be subsequently described. A bell crank lever including arms l5 and 4| as best seen in Fig. 2 is pivotally secured in the housing by means of a through mounting spindle II. Energization of the solenoid will produce upward movement of arm 4! to render a time-measuring device effective. An arm 40 is mounted on the free end of member M and is arranged for rotation about a stud 42. Upward motion of arm 4m causes engagement of a guide pin 43 secured in an extremity thereof with a groove of a motordriven worm gear M. The worm is mounted on a shaft 41 and may be driven by means of suitable gears 45 and 46 from the main driving motor of the recorder. Upon engagement with the worm groove, arm 40 is moved downward as seen in Fig. 1 causing a roller l4 carried on the remote end of arm 40 to swing in a clockwise direction. Roller M is arranged to cooperate with a cam surface IS. The cam surface I3, as best seen in Fig. 3, is secured to an operating bar 20 which is mounted for pivotal motion on a pin 24. Motion of bar 20 controls electrical switching contacts 22 and 23. The resilience of spring 22 normally maintains bar 20 in engagement with a stop 2|.

After a predetermined time interval roller I4 is brought into engagement with cam l3, forcing it to the left causing the closure of switch contacts 22 and 23. Continued travel of the roller Hi carries it beyond cam surface l3 whereupon contacts 22 and 23 are opened. Contacts 22 and 23 control the opening of a shutter which intercepts the recording light beam. It will be noted that after energization of solenoid 5| with the coincidental operation of the mercury switches that a measured time interval is provided before contacts 2 and 23 are operated to energize the shutter opening magnet. The contact controlled by roller it makes it possible to prevent current drain while the shutter is opened by reopening the circuit of the shutter magnet after therelatively short time interval required for roller i l to pass beyond cam surface l3.

After operating pin 43 has traveled the full length of worm 44 it engages the smooth surface beyond the worm and remains in that position while the recorder is in operation.

As shown in Fig. 1 rotation of arm 40 is ac-. complished against the tension of a spring 31 which engages an extension 39 of arm 50 and a bracket 38 secured to the switch housing.

Restoration of the device occurs upon deenergization of solenoid 5i whereupon pin 43 is disengaged from the worm 44 and the arm is snapped back to its normal position under the control of spring 3?. The arm 46 applies sufiicient leverage to the weight of member 4| to restore the solenoid plunger to its normal position by gravity.

Additional contacts controlled by the switching device are resilient members 26, 21, 28 illustrated in Fig. 2 and shown in sequential operation in Figs. 5 to 9, inclusive. Details of the operating mechanism therefor may be best seen in Fig. 4. A bracket i6 is rigidly secured to member l5 and oscillates therewith. A contact operating member 30 is formed by bending an extension of an operating arm 29 at right angles to such arm. The arm 29 is pivotally mounted on bracket H5 as may be seen in Figs. 2 and 4. In the normal position of the switch, which is that shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the upper end of arm 29 is engaged by the lower arm of the clevis in which roller 54 is rotatably mounted. As seen in Fig. 4 the arm 29 has been rotated in a clockwise direction, thus bringing the operating member out of effective alignment with contact 21. As may be seen in Figs. 2 and 5 in this position, operating member 30 is in back of contact 21 permitting the contacts 21 and 28 to be closed due to the resilience of member 27. Fig. 6 illustrates, in skeleton form, the position as shown in Fig. 4.

Energization of solenoid 5| moves member 30 to the right as arm I5 pivots about pin H, the motion being transmitted through bracket #6 and arm 29. As arm 40 then begins its clockwise rotational movement, roller l4 moves away from engagement with arm 29 permitting counter-clockwise rotation of the arm 29 and contact operating member 30. This counter-clockwise operation is by gravity and as member 30 moves to the right as seen in the drawings it assumes the position most easily understood by inspection of Fig. 8 where it may be seen that member 33 has been brought into alignment with contact member 27. Further travel of roller l4 has no eifect as regards arm 29 and member 30.

A roller 3| is mounted on pin H and is of such dimensions as to provide a bearing for member 3&3 during its swinging movement to maintain it in proper axial alignment.

The deenergization of solenoid 5i allows arm l5 to swing to the left in a counter-clockwise rotation carrying with it bracket l6, arm 29 and operating member 33. Since member 3!! is now in alignment with contact 27 as has been described in connection with Fig. 8, this movement is effective to force contacts 26 and 2'! into engagement. The closur of this circuit is eifective to energize an electromagnet to operate the mechanism to close the shutter and intercept the recording light beam. The closure of this circuit is, however, of short duration since the restoring movement of arm 40 will cause arm "29 to be rotated in a clockwise direction when said arm reaches its normal position, thus regaining the position illustrated in Fig. 6 in which the rotation of member 29 has removed member 30 from engagement with contact 21, permitting the release of contacts 26 and 21 and the reclosure of a circuit through contacts 21 and 28.

The mechanical structure of the switch having been described, it is believed that an understanding of its function in controlling the sequence of switching events which are necessary to the operation of the recorder will be more fully understood from the detailed description of the circuit of Fig. 10.

A section of a recorder is disclosed in Fig. 11 including film driving sprockets and guide rollers for driving the film I from the delivery reel, not shown, past the slating recorder HM and the sound recording drum I03. As shown in the circuit, Fig. 10, the slater includes lamps 6E and 61 for illuminating a take number on a numbering device, not shown, or written instructions which may be placed on a card. The lamps, numbering device, cards and an optical system are placed within the light-tight compartment of the slating recorder ifll which is near the film and within the sound recorder, as shown. The shutter magnets 55 and 56 are shown below the sound recording optical unit I04. A lever arm 59 is pivoted to member 58 which is attached to an armature operable by either shutter magnet 55 or 55. The magnet 5.6 when energized opens the shutter and the magnet 55 when energized closes the shutter. As previously stated in the description of the switching mechanism, the movement of the switch. arm from its normal position to a position for establishing the circuit for shutter magnet 55 is commensurate with the movement of the film from the slating recorder to a point past the recording point on drum I33, as indicated, so that the magnet for opening the shutter is not energized until the take number has passed the point of sound recording.

The switching system and the sequence of related electrical and mechanical operations which take place progressively and in a measured period of time will be more clearly understood by referring to the circuit diagram Fig. 10. The sound and picture recording system, in which the recorder herein described is used, is of the character arranged to be interlocked with a number of sound and picture recorders. This interlocked system is well known and is diagrammatically shown at fi l and may be of the type disclosed in Patent 1,867,373 to E. R. Morton July 12, 1932. The source of current marked G for operating the recorder is connected through the interlock switches and switch 53. Before this switch is operated, however, the take number is recorded on the film by the slating recorder and the punch mark is placed in the film at particular locations. The numbering device of the slating recorder is manually operated and does not appear in the circuit. The lamps for illuminating the slating recorder are lighted by the momentary actuation. of switch 6 5. A circuit is thus established from ground through the switch contacts, filament of lamp 66 andfilament of lamp 6'! to battery through the contact of mercury switch 65. The film punch comprises a solenoid 65 having a bell crank pivoted to its plunger for operating a film punching plunger. The solenoid 65 is energized by the actuation of switch 53 which connects ground through the switch, winding of the solenoid 65, to battery through the mercury switch 68.

When the punching and slating operations have been completed, external interlocking switches, not shown, are actuated and switch 53 is actuated for simultaneously establishing a circuit for the driving motor 50 and for energizing the solenoid 5|. The motor is of the interlocking type but since this forms no part of the invention the interlocking windings have been omitted. Before proceeding with the sequence of operations which follow the energizaticn of the solenoid 5! the circuit for the recording lamp '52 will be described. The circuit for this lamp is established through a mercury switch having contacts cs, 70 and H which is used to switch the current supply leads for the lamp from dim to full brilliance. This switching circuit is arranged to supply enough current through the lamp to maintain the filament warm during periods of recording and preceding the original take. To obtain this condition the switch 15 is operated to connect the switch arm with contact i i and switch 89 is operated. Thus, with the contacts 69 and H3 closed, as shown, a circuit may be traced from battery through the filament of lamp 1?, resistance ll, ammeter l8, variable resistance 19, and switch 8% to ground. A circuit may also be traced which is in multiple with the lamp from battery through resistance l6, contacts 59 and it, switch contact M, ammeter (8, variable resistance 19 to ground through switch 8%. Under this condition a low value of current flows through the filament of the lamp to maintain it warm so that it may be at once brought to full brilliance when the motor is started and solenoid 55 energized. The initial function of the solenoid '55, when energized, is to disable the circuit for the punch and the slater lamps by tilting the mercury switch 58 which opens this contact, and also to alter the circuit for the recording lamp by tilting the mercury switch represented by contacts 69, 10 and H to open contacts t9 and EB and close contact lii with H. A circuit is thus established to bring the recording lamp ii. to full brilliance. This circuit may be traced from battery through the lamp filamen, contacts ii and HI, switch contact '54 and switcharm Hi, ammeter '58., variable resistance l3 and switch 8E! to ground. The ammeter l3 and the variable resistance is are used for obtaining the correct value of current through the recording lamp 7 for sound recording. For this purpose the switch arm is associated with contact '53. The adjustment and testing circuit may be traced from battery through the lamp filament, contact 53, switch arm l5, ammeter EB, variable resistance is to ground through switch 8%. The electromagnet 8| represents the light valve magnet which has a circuit extended from battery through the magnet winding, switch 82 to ground. The latter switch is closed during sound recording. The mechanical operations controlled by the solenoid 5!, such as the engagement and disengagement of the switch arm with the gear over which it travels, have already been described in detail and require no further explanation except as these mechanical operations relate to the se quence of operation in the circuit.

As will be remembered, the solenoid causes the association of the finger on the switch arm with the worm gear and thereafter this finger travels in a measured period over the grooves of the gear which brings a roller on the switch arm to bear against a cam having the contacts 22 and 23 associated therewith for energizing magnet 56 to open the shutter. The engagement of contact 23 with contact 22 establishes a circuit from ground through contacts 27 and 28 to battery through shutter magnet winding 56. The

armature 51 is attracted toward the pole-piece of magnet 56 which moves the members 58 and 59 downward. The mechanical operationsensuing the downward movement of the member 59 are fully described in patent application Serial No. 144,507 filed by H. Pfannenstiehl, May 24, 1937. As stated in this patent application, the shutter diaphragm is locked in the open position by a latch and consequently the contacts 22 and 23 are opened by further movement of the switch arm in order that the current be disconnected from the shutter magnet during the period of sound recording.

When the current is disconnected from the recorder to stop the movement of the film either at the finish of a series of sound and pictures, known as a take, or through some fault, the motor (it is stopped and the solenoid 5! is released. The release of the solenoid, as previously described brings the cam connected with the solenoid plunger to bear against spring 2'! to establish contact with spring 26 for immediately closing the shutter. This circuit is traced from ground through contacts 21 and 26, shutter closing magnet to battery. The armature 57 is attracted toward the pole-piece of magnet 55 which causes the members 58 and 59' to move upward. The operation of the shutter upon this upward movement is again fully described in the aforemen tioned patent application to H. Pfannenstiehl. The release of the solenoid 5! also restores the mercury switches designated 88, 69,70 and H to normal, as shown, and also causes the disengagement of the switch arm from the gear. The switch arm now restores to normal underthe control of a retractile spring which opens the circuit through contacts 2E2l and reestablishes contact 27 with contact 28 at the time when the arm arrives in its normal position.

Included. in the recorder, described herein, is a safety device operated by the film. In the case of difficulty with the film or recorder it is desirable to at once arrest the operation of the machine. For such an emergency a hinged member is associated with a, rod represented by the numeral Si which is moved by a loop or collection of film. The movement of the hinged member and the rod 6| closes contact Bil. established for relay 52 which attracts its asso ciated armatures to open the motor circuit and the circuit for solenoid 5!. Under this condition,

the mechanical and electrical functions ensuing the release of the solenoid are the same as previously described. The closure of contact 60 also establishes a circuit from battery through the filament of lamp 632 to ground for indicating to an observer that a fault has occurred and that the mechanism of the recorder has been restored to normal.

What is claimed is:

1. A sound film recording device including a film supporting and translating member, means to direct a sound modulated light beam onto a film, a shutter for intercepting said beam, film marking means, circuits therefor, a sequence controlling switch, and electromagnetic means to actuate said switch to disable the circuits of said film marking means, to close a circuit to control the opening of said shutter after a measured time interval, to open said last-mentioned circuit after a further time interval, and means to maintain. said switch in operated position.

2. A sound film recording device including a film supporting and translating member, means to direct a sound modulatedlight beam onto a A circuit is thus film, a shutter for intercepting said beam, a slating device including lamps to produce exposure illumination, electrical circuits for said slating device, a sequence controlling switch, and electromagnetic means to actuate said switch to disable the circuits of said slater, to close a circuit to control the opening of said shutter after a measured time interval, to open said last-mentioned circuit after a further time interval, and means to maintain said switch in operated position.

3. A sound film recording device including a film supporting and translating member, means to direct a sound modulated light beam onto a film, a shutter for intercepting said beam, an electrically operated film punch and circuit therefor, a sequence controlling switch and electromagnetic means to actuate saidswitch to disable the circuit of said film punch, to close a circuit to control the opening of said shutter after a measured time interval, to open said last-mentioned circuit after a further time interval, and means to maintain said switch in operated position.

4. A sound film recording device including a film supporting and translating member, means to direct a sound modulated light beam onto a film, a shutter for intercepting said beam, a slating device including lamps to produce exposure illumination and circuits for said lamps, an electrically operated film punch and a circuit therefor, a sequence controlling switch, and electromagnetic means to actuate said switch to disable the circuits of said slater and punch, to close a circuit to control the opening of said shutter after a measured time interval, toopen said lastmentioned circuit after a further time interval,

and means to maintain said switch in operated position.

5. A sound film recording device including a film supporting and translating member, means to direct a sound modulated light beam onto a film, a shutter for intercepting said beam, film marking means and circuits therefor, a sequence controlling switch, and means to actuate said switch to disable the circuits of said film marking means, and to close a circuit to control the'opening of said shutter after a measured time interval. 6. A sound film recording device including a film supporting and translating member, means to direct a sound modulated light beam onto a film, a shutter for intercepting said beam, a

shutter opening electromagnet and a shutter clos- I position, and means to accomplish a transitory closure of the circuit of the shutter closing mag- .net upon release of said operating electromagnet.

7. A sound film recording device including a film supporting and translating member, an exciter lamp and circuit therefor, means to direct a sound modulated light beam from said lamp onto a film, a shutter for intercepting said beam, film marking means and circuits therefor, a sequence controlling switch and electromagnetic means to actuate said switch to alter the circuit condition of said exciter lamp, to disable the circuits of said film marking means, and to close a circuit to control the opening of said shutter after a measured time interval.

8. In a film recorder, a drive for said recorder, a device for recording on the film when said film is stationary, a second device for recording photographically on said film when in motion, a shutter for said second recording device, and switching means under the control of said drive for operating said shutter after a measured period commensurate with the movement of the film from the first recording device to a point beyond the second recording device.

9. In a film recorder, a drive for said recorder, a device for recording an indication on the film when said film .is stationary, a switching circuit for actuating said recording device, a second device for recording sound photographically on said film when in motion, a shutter for said second recording device, switching means under the control of said drive for operating said shutter after a measured period commensurate with the movement of the indication from the first recording device to a point beyond the second recording device, an electromagnetic device for associating said switching means with said drive and for disabling the switching circuit for said first recording device, and a circuit for actuating said electromagnetic device.

10. In a film recorder, a drive for said recorder, a device for recording an indication on the film when said film is stationary, a switching circuit for actuating said recording device, a second device for recording sound photographically on said film when in motion, a shutter for said second recording device, switching means under the control of said drive for operating said shutter after a measured period commensurate with the movement of the indication from the first recording device to a point beyond the second recording device, an electromagnet for associating said switching means with said drive and for disabling the circuit for said first recording device, a circuit for actuating said electromagnet, a switch for disabling said circuit, and means under the control of said electromagnet when released for again operating said shutter.

GEORGE R. CRANE. BYRON B. HAYWORTH. 

